Wednesday, July 02, 2014

Restoration of a German M-40 Helmet of WW II(Click to see larger image)

I have finished my project for the week: restoring a German M-40 helmet from World War II.

I spent yesterday spray painting the helmet, then lightly rubbing it out with very fine steel wool. I am very pleased with the results, as I have never before successfully spray painted anything in my life.

This morning I installed the new liner, a reproduction of the liner used in original German helmets. After that, I applied the Wehrmacht decals - eagle on the left side, national colors on the right side.

The spray paint that I used and recommend is Apefelgrun [Apple Green] from 1944 Militaria. The color is actually more of an army olive green.

The helmet's original appearance, as I received it from the seller in Europe, can be viewed here.

Note: My interest in Nazis is strictly a historical interest. I in no way endorse their cause or hateful ideology.

2 comments:

There are WW2 reenactors who buy the whole uniform, jack boots and weapons, but it's an expensive hobby. I used to do Civil War reenacting as a Confederate, and reenacting allows you to learn the nitty-gritty of uniforms, equipment, tactics, marching and other skills. I'm a bit long in the tooth for that now, though. I was an extra in the movie Gettysburg, with Martin Sheen as Robert E. Lee. It was great fun. No, the bow ties are just for the office, though I did wear one on jury duty as well.

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